Aquarius haemofiltration machine - manufacturer has updated their actions for software problems
(Edwards Lifesciences Ltd) the manufacturer has updated their corrective actions for software problems with haemofiltration machines. (MDA/2009/076)
Device
Aquarius haemofiltration machine.
Software versions 3.52, 4.01.11, 4.01.12 and 6.01.
Manufactured by Edwards Lifesciences Ltd.
Aquarius haemofiltration machines were manufactured by Edwards Lifesciences, but are now supported by Baxter Healthcare, which owns the Aquarius machines business.
The software version is displayed on screen when the machine is turned on to start the system safety test.
Problem
This Alert provides an update on actions taken by Edwards Lifesciences, as advised in MDA/2009/012.
Software versions 3.52, 4.01.11 and 4.01.12 These machines will not have their software upgraded as previously intended. An ongoing training package, a warning sticker and laminated instruction sheet will be provided for each machine.
Software version 6.01. These machines are due to have their software upgraded as previously advised. Edwards Lifesciences is unable to confirm when the updated software will be available for implementation. In the meantime, Edwards Lifesciences will provide an interim training package as described for the above software versions.
MDA/2009/012 was issued in February 2009 supporting the Field Safety Notice (dated Nov 2008) issued by Edwards Lifesciences that provided advice on two problems (problems 1 and 2 listed below). A further Field Safety Notice covering another problem (problem 3 below) was published in March 2009. Following on from these Field Safety Notices and the Medical Device Alert, Edwards Lifesciences updated its corrective actions for the problems as detailed below.
Problem 1
The operating manual incorrectly describes how the filtrate line should be connected for haemoperfusion. In addition, for Aquarius software versions 4.01.11 and 4.01.12, these incorrect connection instructions are displayed on the ‘Help Screen’.
Inadequate therapy will occur if these inaccurate instructions are followed.
Solution
An errata sheet, with the correct set-up instructions, has been provided by Edwards Lifesciences for insertion into the operating manual.
Problem 2
If users repeatedly override fluid balance alarms without resolving the cause of the alarm it is possible to remove too little or too much fluid from the patient.
Solution
Warning stickers and laminated instruction sheets have been issued by Edwards Lifesciences for placing on all machines.
For software versions 3.52, 4.01.11 and 4.01.12, a training programme will be provided to address this issue.
For software version 6.01 a training programme will also be implemented as an interim measure. A ‘Total Fluid Loss Management’ software upgrade, which will automatically correct fluid discrepancies following a balance alarm, will be installed in due course.
Problem 3
Following a complaint, Edwards Lifesciences has identified specific programming settings that can result in excess filtrate being removed from the patient. This can occur if the following pump flow rates are set:
- within the range 0 ml/h to 110 ml/h for the dialysate/pre-dilution substitution pump (pump designation will depend on the treatment modality selected).
- 0 ml/h for the post dilution pump.
The excess filtrate removal can occur for any blood flow rate and any treatment modality.
This information supersedes the advice contained in the Field Safety Notice issued by Edwards Lifesciences (‘Substitution Fluid Non-conformance’, dated 30 March 2009), which previously stated not to use the parameters ‘100 ml/h or 110 ml/h dialysate/pre-dilution substitution pump’.
Solution
Warning stickers and laminated instruction sheets have been issued by Edwards Lifesciences for placing on all machines with software versions 3.52, 4.01.11 and 4.01.12. Software version 6.01 will be upgraded to address this issue. In the interim period, warning stickers and laminated instructions will also be placed on machines with version 6.01 of the software. Training will be provided for all software versions.
Action
All users should ensure that:
- the warning sticker and laminated instruction sheet are placed on all of these machines
- users are reminded to check causes for balance alarms before overriding them
- end users are familiarised with the information in the previously issued errata sheet, which should be added to the Operating Manual.
Software version 3.52, 4.01.11 and 4.01.12 users should ensure that:
- Edwards Lifesciences has made contact and agreed a date for training.
Software version 6.01 users should ensure that whilst waiting for upgraded software to be implemented:
- Edwards Lifesciences has made contact to arrange and agree a date for interim training.
Distribution
This MDA has been distributed to:
- NHS trusts in England (Chief Executives)
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) (Headquarters)
- HSC trusts in Northern Ireland (Chief Executives)
- NHS boards in Scotland (Chief Executives)
- NHS boards and trusts in Wales (Chief Executives)
Onward distribution
Please bring this notice to the attention of all who need to know or be aware of it. This may include distribution by:
Trusts to:
CAS and SABS (NI) liaison officers for onward distribution to all relevant staff including:
- Anaesthetists
- Biomedical engineering staff
- Health and safety managers
- Intensive care nursing staff (adult)
- Intensive care nursing staff (paediatric)
- Intensive care physicians
- Intensive care units (adult and paediatric)
- Intensive care, directors of
- Medical directors
- Nursing executive directors
- Renal medicine departments
- Renal medicine, directors of
- Renal physicians
- Renal nursing staff
- Risk managers
- Theatre managers
Care Quality Commission (CQC) (England only) to:
The MHRA considers this information to be important to:
- Hospitals in the independent sector
Manufacturer contact
Manufacturer
Andleeb Arshad
Edwards Lifesciences
Sherwood House
78 London Road
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 1LA
Tel: 0870 606 2040
Fax: 0870 606 2050
Email: [email protected]
Supplier
Kieron O’Neil
Baxter Healthcare
Wallingford Road
Compton
Newbury
Berkshire
RG20 7QW
Tel: 01635 206 070
Email: [email protected]
Feedback
If you have any comments or feedback on this Medical Device Alert, please email us at: [email protected]
England
If you are in England, please send enquiries about this notice to the MHRA, quoting reference number MDA/2009/076 or 2008/011/024/291/007
Technical aspects
Roopa Prabhakar or Catriona Blake
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Market Towers
1 Nine Elms Lane
London
SW8 5NQ
Tel: 020 7084 3293/3219
Fax: 020 7084 3209
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Clinical aspects
Jonathan Plumb
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Market Towers
1 Nine Elms Lane
London
SW8 5NQ
Tel: 020 7084 3128
Fax: 020 7084 3111
Email: [email protected]
How to report adverse incidents
Please report via our website: Reporting adverse incidents involving medical devices.
Further information about CAS can be found on the Central Alerting System website .
Northern Ireland
Enquiries in Northern Ireland should be addressed to:
Northern Ireland Adverse Incident Centre (NIAIC)
Health Estates
Estate Policy Directorate
Stoney Road
Dundonald
Belfast
BT16 1US
Tel: 02890 523 704
Fax: 02890 523 900
Email: [email protected]
Northern Ireland Adverse Incident Centre (NIAIC)
How to report adverse incidents in Northern Ireland
Please report directly to NIAIC, further information can be found on the NIAIC website .
Further information about SABS can be found on the SABS website .
Scotland
Enquiries and adverse incident reports in Scotland should be addressed to:
Incident Reporting and Investigation Centre
Health Facilities Scotland
NHS National Services Scotland
Gyle Square
1 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh
EH12 9EB
Tel: 0131 275 7575
Fax: 0131 314 0722
Email: [email protected]
Health Facilities Scotland - Incident Reporting and Investigation Centre
Wales
Enquiries in Wales should be addressed to:
Dr Jane Ludlow
Senior Medical Officer
Medical Device Alerts
Welsh Assembly Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
Tel: 029 2082 3505 / 3922
Email: [email protected]
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